India’s soybean meal exports fall 66% amid price competition

India’s oilmeal exports fell by 13% year on year in April–June 2026 to 957.2 thsd tons, compared with 1.09 mln tons a year earlier, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA). The decline was driven mainly by a sharp drop in soybean meal shipments.

Soybean meal exports in the first quarter of FY 2026/27 plunged by 66% to 169.5 thsd tons, down from 493.4 thsd tons in the same period a year earlier. Indian product is losing competitiveness due to cheaper soybean meal supplies from Argentina and Brazil.

Exports are also being pressured by high domestic soybean prices and strong demand from the feed and livestock sectors. SEA added that disruptions to Red Sea shipping and elevated freight rates are further weakening export margins.

In June, India’s total oilmeal exports fell by 31% year on year to 217.8 thsd tons, compared with 313.4 thsd tons a year earlier. At the same time, some Asian markets increased purchases of Indian oilmeals.

China imported 313.4 thsd tons of Indian oilmeals in April–June, up from 187.4 thsd tons a year earlier. Bangladesh increased purchases to 143 thsd tons from 126.4 thsd tons, while Vietnam also remained among the key buyers.

Tags: export, India, soybean meal